On August 25th, the Ukrainian Village Committee will hold its 9th annual Ukrainian Independence Day Parade in Parma’s Ukrainian Village. The Committee invites all to join them and celebrate this special occasion! The parade procession begins at 11 a.m. on Grantwood Drive, continues north along State Road, and ends at Ukrainian Heritage Park, located across the street from St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral (5720 State Road).

The Grand Marshal this year will be Oleh Mahlay. Mr. Mahlay is the artistic director and conductor of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus – a world-renowned musical ensemble celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Mr. Mahlay was born and raised in Parma and has been an active member of the Ukrainian American community in Greater Cleveland. He is a teacher of the bandura (Ukraine’s national instrument), an accomplished composer, and has lectured about music throughout the world.

This year’s parade will showcase more than 40 marching units. Parade participants will include Ukrainian church communities, Parma area social clubs, local businesses, the mayor and city council representatives, city school officials, police honor guards, Veterans organizations, floats, and more! Spirited musical numbers will be performed by local high school marching bands.

After the parade, at Ukrainian Heritage Park, there will be a flag raising ceremony celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day.

Why: It’s a fun community event in the heart of Parma! Also you can win a prize! Once
again this year, we will be awarding a distinction to the most creative and colorful
participant in the parade. We encourage all participants to create floats, decorate cars,
and wear costumes and uniforms that are relevant to their specific organization or group.

Preparation: On Friday, August 17, 2018, a meeting will be held with representatives of
the participating parade units. The meeting will be at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic
Cathedral Annex Building at 7:00 p.m. At this time, unit representatives will receive detailed parade instructions including their assigned staging area.

Point of Contact: If you need to speak with us directly, call or text Roman (614) 425-1309.

If you know of others who would like to participate in the parade, please share this letter
with them. And if your group is unable to participate, please come and join the festivities
on the parade route!

Very truly yours,Zoriana Zobniw
Secretary of Ukrainian Village Committee

Signature Event: Within sight of the majestic golden domes of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, Parma holds its annual Ukrainian Independence Day Parade and Festivities every August. Celebrating the 1991 establishment of Ukraine’s sovereign state, this revelry shows off elaborately decorated floats decked out in the traditional colors of blue and gold, a lineup of vintage and classic cars driving down State Road and a full array of treats such as chocolate babka and paczki.

#VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran William Stefaniuk

Born in Ukraine, William immigrated to the United States in 1949 with his family. He enlisted as an Airman Basic when he was 19 years old and trained at the Department of Air Police Training. There he was assigned to the 3628th School Squadron, 3275th Technical School.

During his time in the Air Force, William served with the 6313th Air Base Wing at Kadena Air Force Base in Japan and at Loring Air Force Base. He worked as an Air Policeman and in administration. One of his hobbies was chess and in 1962 he was crowned the Loring Air Force Base Chess Champion.

After separating from the military, William, father of six children, worked as a public school teacher in Ohio.

In a 1959 Lackland Talespinner feature, William, while training at Lackland Air Force Base said, “My father brought us to America to find freedom and we have found it.”